Mindfulness and living in the present are often touted as fantastic ways to improve life quality tangibly. A comprehensive review by Harvard Health tells you how to use mindfulness daily to feel, look, and live better.

While being present is an important tool for living a fulfilled life, thinking ahead is just as important. Your future can be decided by what you do, or don't do, right now. Read on for five ways to live better now by thinking ahead. Be present in the planning now so that you can enjoy being mindful in the future.

Eat Your Veggies

Your health is your greatest asset. Whether you're a vegetable-lover or a junk food connoisseur, getting your five fruits and vegetables a day is vital. 

If you look after your body now by giving it the nutrients it needs, you can avoid complications and health scares later on. Jamie Oliver mentions some phenomenal tips for sneaking some vegetables into every meal. 

Don't Skimp on Health Insurance

It's easy to relegate health insurance to the end of your priority list when you're young. With so many other things to budget for, it might seem less important. That couldn't be further from the truth, though. 

Younger people tend to get lower premiums and have higher earning potential. Investing in good cover now means you don't have to worry about it later when you need it, and your finances may be less stable.

Thinking about health insurance now also lets you plan for family emergencies. Don't let bills for dementia care, occupational therapy, and chronic medication catch you off guard. You can find comprehensive and affordable options by thinking about you and your family's future sooner rather than later. 

Pay Attention to Your Banking and Taxes

It's very easy to forget about paying taxes, especially if you have flexible or freelance income. Not paying taxes can severely affect you in the future, though. Not everyone knows about investing either. If you're smart about it, you can invest small sums now for a big payoff in the future.

Do some research and chat with friends and family about how to manage your finances. Make sure you always pay your taxes and, if you can afford it, a financial advisor can point you in the right direction with investments and savings plans. 

Go for Walks

Regular exercise is central to staying healthy and happy. Choose something you like and that you'll keep doing. Walks, yoga, swimming, or cycling are all great ways to stay fit. 

Exercising in groups is also a fun way to build relationships and foster intimacy. Emotional health is just as important as physical, so why not kill two birds with one stone?

Speak to Doctors 

Don't miss your annual checkups and speak to your doctors about your family history. If you can catch warning signs early on, it can help you live better for longer. It might not be enjoyable to take the time to think about your health now, but your future self will thank you. 

Advice by Health Grades suggests that you should be seeing a primary care doctor, an obstetrician-gynecologist (if you're a woman), a urologist/urogynecologist, an ophthalmologist, a dermatologist, and a dentist regularly. 

Why not team up with a friend or two and take some time to make these important visits every year? Once you're done, you can celebrate with a (healthy) drink or two, knowing you're thinking ahead. 

Key Takeaways

Plan ahead for a mindful future by:

• Eating vegetables 

• Getting health insurance for yourself and your family

• Paying attention to your finances

• Having regular exercise

• Going for regular checkups with doctors

In Conclusion

Being present is a great way of maximizing your daily happiness and fulfillment. By pairing mindfulness with thinking ahead, you can ensure that you're as content in the future as you are now.